Tie Rod: Testing and Inspection

TIE ROD INSPECTION PROCEDURE





1. Thread the tie rod ends into the sleeve and secure the tie rod ends with the clamps.

Important: Replace any damaged steering linkage components. Do NOT repair linkage parts by welding.

2. Use the right and the left hand threads for the toe-in adjustments and the steering gear centering.
3. Use recommended fluids to lubricate the Tie Rod Ends.
4. Replace tie rod ends under the following conditions:
4.1. Excessive up-and-down motion is present.
4.2. Excessive end play or loss of motion at the ball stud occurs.
5. Before performing any service, note the following conditions:
5.1. The position of the tie rod adjuster tube.
5.2. The direction from which the bolts are installed.
6. The tie rod adjuster tube components may be rusted.
7. If the torque required in order to remove the nut from the bolt exceeds 9 Nm (80 inch lbs.), discard the nuts and the bolts.
8. Apply penetrating oil between the clamp and the tube.
9. Rotate the clamps until the clamps move freely.
10. Install all the parts with the correct part number in the proper position.

IDLER ARM INSPECTION PROCEDURE





1. Raise the vehicle.
2. Support the vehicle with jack stands.
3. Allow the front wheels to rotate freely.
4. Allow the steering mechanism freedom to turn.
5. Position the wheels in a straight ahead position.
6. For vehicles with S4WD, remove the front differential carrier shield in order to access the idler arm and the steering linkage.
7. Place a spring scale near the relay rod end of the idler arm.

Important: Do NOT jerk the right wheel and tire assembly back and forth as a test procedure. There is no control on the amount of force being applied to the idler arm.

8. Exert a 110 Nm (25 ft. lbs.) force upward, then downward (the force is forward and rearward) while measuring the total distance the arm moves.
8.1. Allow only 2 mm (0.078 inch) movement.
8.2. Replace the idler arm if the idler arm exceeds this test.
9. Carefully diagnose shimmy complaints when loose idler arms may be the cause.
10. Before inspecting the suspension or steering components, consider the following possibilities:
- The dynamic imbalance
- The force variation of wheel and tire assemblies
- The runout
- The road surface irregularities.